Laptop Computers Make Distance Learning Even Easier

These days we simply can't live without our computers. Regardless of what your occupation currently is, you probably have a computer sitting in your home or office, or both. Not just that, I would venture to guess that the majority of people buying computers today are opting for the laptop computer. When you consider it's portability and capabilities (they can perform all the same functions as the desktop), I wouldn't be surprised if the laptop is the only option available soon. For those pursuing an online degree, the laptop allows any student to work from anywhere.

It wasn't long ago that we all had the desktops. However, now it's hard to remember how we got along without the portability. Today's laptop computers can get all of the same tasks done, but without the hassle of being restricted to one specific area.

And with the advancement of wireless internet connections, we can bring the internet wherever our laptop goes. I love the ability of being wireless and venturing to any part of my home with my laptop notebook computer in hand. Even better, I can run down to the local Panera Bread Company, grab a cup of coffee and study and surf the net as long as I desire. Course assignments can be completed in any location, when I have the research I need (from the internet) and the program (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) necessary to complete the task.

More and more businesses are offering Internet access to their patrons. This is a great way to get people in your doors. Simply offer a comfortable venue for customers to work online or to research for that big term paper, and watch them flood in through your doors with EBooks in hand!

Another advantage of the new line of laptop computers is the DVD option. I didn't think about this much at first when I purchased my Mac Ibook, but the first time my family and I went on a road trip, the advantage became clear. A long trip in the car doesn't seem nearly as daunting when you can escape into your favorite movie playing on a computer that provides equal or better picture/sound quality than your TV. For students pursuing their degrees online, many courses and professors are choosing to incorporate different forms of media to teach the material including DVDs, movie clips and sound clips. A laptop with this function is a must-have for savvy internet students.

The laptop notebook computer is a clear example of where our future is headed. We crave freedom (after all, you have chosen a more versatile way to earn a college degree by studying online, at your own pace, not stuck in a classroom). If you haven't conformed to a simpler way of life yet, then just hop online and you will see a number of options ready to assist you in the purchase of your first laptop notebook computer. You won't be sorry!

Choosing An Ultra-Portable Laptop For Your Computer Needs

When choosing a laptop, portability is often a key feature. When you are traveling with your laptop frequently, taking your laptop on planes and long drives makes weight (or lack of weight) extremely important. Certainly, no one wants to be carting a ten-pound monster of a laptop in and out of a car or across an airport in addition to everything else you have to carry.
Things to consider when buying an ultra-portable laptop:• Price• Features• Weight of Additional Gear• Battery life
The prices are steeper with the smaller models of notebook computers, and it increases with processing capabilities and functions such as a DVD/CD-RW drive for your data storage and playback needs, as well as a little entertainment on long trips. Your typical notebook computer packs enough punch to handle wireless networking and all the basic functions (like word processing and other simple programs) just like your desktop PC can. You also have to watch out for mobile laptops that require extra gear. Battery chargers and other cables and accessories should be factored into the weight if weight is indeed the issue for you. Battery life varies with the efficiency of the processor, so check out battery life in any reviews you read.
Best Reviewed Laptops• Sony VAIO VGN-TX770P• Toshiba Portege R200• Averatec 1000• Dell Latitude X1
Laptop manufacturers have seen the future, and are in a designing war to create the most mobile and smallest notebook computer. Product reviews place the Sony VAIO VGN-TX770P pretty firmly at the top of the list, and weighing in at just under three pounds, it certainly is portable. The VAIO has a great battery life, which is important, but is also one of the most expensive ultra-portable laptops available.
The Toshiba Portege is a little on the expensive side, but was designed with the speed and power for business travelers without the bells and whistles. The Portege does not have an internal CD/DVD drive, but keeps weight down to just over two and a half pounds.
The Averatec 1000 has a shorter battery life than the competition, but also has a much smaller price. It is the heaviest of the laptops listed here, weighing three and a half pounds, and has the largest hard drive at 80GB.
The last laptop we’re mentioning is the Dell Latitude X1, which is light at 2.5 pounds, and has good battery life. It is missing a PC Card slot and an internal optical drive, but for anyone looking to travel light, it is definitely worth a look.
Components to Think About There are several key components to a laptop that should be considered before any purchase. This is important because it is difficult, if not impossible, to upgrade many of these components in laptops. The primary components are:
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)• Hard Drive• RAM (Random Active Memory)• Screen Size• Port Types• Optical Drive (CD, CD-RW, & DVD-RW)• Removable Media (like a camera memory card)• Batteries• Video Card• Touch Sensitive Mouse Pad• Wireless Capability
The CPU, or central processing unit, is not upgradeable in most laptops. The CPU is high-powered enough in most laptops to function at a business level without spending extra for a more expensive chip. If you plan to watch videos or play games, however, you may need to find a computer with a faster processor. The most important factors of CPU’s in laptops are the balance between processor power and battery consumption, and heat output (the less heat, the better).
The hard drive is upgradable in a unique way: if by some strange twist of fate you manage to fill up the 60 plus GB that these featured laptops come with, you can purchase portable flash hard drives to store your extra material temporarily. Portable flash drives are thinner than a pencil, just wide enough for a USB connector, and can be shorter than a man’s thumb. A single GB is highly affordable, and up to ten GB are available for big spenders. Unless you are working extensively with digital media, however, this should not become a necessity.
The RAM in laptops is upgradable, and it is always a good investment to pack on the RAM. RAM is what stores data on what programs are running, helping them to continue to run.
The screen size is fixed for the most part, meaning it should be factored in to the purchase of your laptop. A smaller screen is harder to read, however if it is too big it affects portability. A fifteen-inch screen (measured diagonally) is pretty standard for a balance between size and resolution. A large screen or wide screen is advisable for watching DVDs or other video media.
The types of ports that your computer allows are important. Most laptops come standard with up to four USB ports, which are the most common types of port used today. If you have an older mouse that you intend to use with your laptop, remember to buy a USB adapter. USB ports make it much easier to connect peripheral gear.
The optical drive is a simple choice. If you do not want to use a CD drive in any of its variations, then you can find a smaller laptop for your use. If being able to store your data is important, at least look at a system with a CD-RW drive. If you need to backup a large amount of data, look for a laptop with a DVD-RW drive. This option will make your system heavier and more expensive. Some laptops also come standard with a place to insert your media card directly into the computer for fast photo access. This is only important to you if photography is part of your job.
The batteries that come with laptops now are much alike. The battery size matters less than the amount of power that the processor sucks up from it. If your laptop uses a lot of power, look into buying a spare battery so that you can switch them out when the power drops too low.
The video card is not upgradeable, so be sure that if you plan to play intensive games or watch a lot of movies you have a more powerful card. For the average business traveler, however, the card that comes standard is powerful enough.
Most laptops come with a touch sensitive mouse pad. Test it out to see if it is easy enough for you to use, and if you need the extra help then buy yourself a mouse. Just remember that you have to carry your mouse and mouse pad with you on trips.
Last up for consideration is the wireless capability. For a business traveler, it is often important to be able to network wirelessly and connect to the internet wirelessly when opportunities present themselves. A Centrino processor internally or a wireless LAN (local area network) card allow you to connect.
Hopefully this guide has given you a bit to think about before buying your next ultra-portable laptop.
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Why Rent a Laptop Computer?

Most companies either buy or lease their laptop and notebook computers, but why or when should a company rent?
Here are a few reasons for renting a laptop computer: -If you need a wireless laptop computers for travel and all your company laptops and notebook computers are wired.
-If you need technology on short notice or for a short time, it is best to rent a laptop.
-If your laptop is broken or in the shop.
-If you need a large quantity of laptop computers for a training class, it is best to rent laptops.
-If your laptop computers are on back order but your staff isn't, it's best to rent laptops for immediate installation.
People confuse computer renting with leasing. Renting is short term in nature and is very flexible. Leasing, like buying is a fixed arrangement.
And a company can extend the rental term or even cancel the rental entirely at any time with no penalty.
Leases can't be cancelled without a 'severe penalty'.
Renting laptop computers is totally flexible, requires no capital budget and can be accomplished with a company credit card. For most companies, renting is as easy as getting office supplies.
Most rental companies have expert computer technicians who will deliver, and test your laptop rental right at your office, training room, trade show booth, seminar, convention or conference. Other companies only ship their laptops. If at all possible, have your laptop delivered and tested in front of the users. That will ensure you have 100% operational equipment.
Other reasons why businesses rent laptop computers include short term offices, executives on company business and temporary workers.
Temporary offices can be completely setup with rental laptop computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. The hardware can be installed at any remote location in the United States or Canada.
Rentacomputer.com has set up temporary offices for companies in hotel rooms, trailers, warehouses and rented apartments.
Temporary offices have been set up for State and Federal Government agencies such as the Federa Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the FBI and the IRS.
Offices have also been setup for legal firms, television networks covering hurricane disasters, movie studios setting up "on location", and new building construction sites, corporate mergers and takeovers use temporary offices.
Temporary Employees
Temporary employees need temporary technology. By renting laptop computers you can coordinate the installation and removal of computers, printers and other technology for any period of time specified. If you hire a temporary employee, hire temporary technology also.
John Beagle is a technology writer for the Tech Travel Agent© services of Rentacomputer.com, a laptop computer rental company that installs rental laptop computers nationwide in the United States and Canada.
The client website can be found at http://www.rentacomputer.com.
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